Cherry Danish Pastries are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and luscious cherry topping. Their heart-shaped design makes them perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pastries are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. With their golden, buttery layers and the rich contrast of sweet and tangy cherries paired with a creamy filling, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The recipe is simple enough for beginners and ideal for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cherry pie filling
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for drizzling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon a small amount of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart-shaped pastry.
- Top with 2–3 cherries from the pie filling.
- Fold or shape the pastry edges slightly upward to hold the filling in place.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg to create a golden finish when baked.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: around 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Berry Danish: Replace cherry filling with blueberry or raspberry pie filling.
- Nutty Delight: Add crushed almonds or pecans on top before baking.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon Touch: Mix in a bit of lemon zest with the cream cheese for a citrusy flavor.
- Mini Versions: Make bite-sized versions using smaller cutters for a party platter.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Use store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets for ease. Just ensure they are fully thawed before use.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use pitted fresh cherries tossed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch as a homemade filling.
Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble them a few hours ahead. Bake just before serving for best results.
Can I freeze the unbaked pastries?
Yes, assemble them and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
How do I make a simple glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled pastries.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You may use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as a substitute, though the texture and taste will slightly differ.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian puff pastry and ensure no gelatin is in the cherry filling.
Can I make these without a heart-shaped cutter?
Certainly. Use a knife to cut out heart shapes or create simple squares or circles.
What’s the best way to get the pastry golden?
Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg before baking for a rich, golden color.
Should these be served warm or cold?
They are delicious either way. Warm brings out the flakiness, while cold emphasizes the creamy filling.
Conclusion
Cherry Danish Pastries are a charming and delectable addition to any dessert table or breakfast spread. With their inviting appearance and delightful taste, they’re sure to become a favorite for both casual snacking and special celebrations. Simple to make yet impressively elegant, they are a true bakery-style treat you can easily recreate at home.
Print
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries
Description
These heart-shaped Cherry Danish Pastries are a delightful blend of buttery puff pastry, sweet cherry filling, and creamy cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a romantic treat. This easy cherry Danish recipe will steal hearts and taste buds alike!
Ingredients
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup cherry pie filling
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Roll out puff pastry and cut into strips. Shape each into a heart by folding and curving the ends inward.
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In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
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Spread a spoonful of cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart.
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Top with a few cherries from the pie filling.
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Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and puffy.
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Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
Notes
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Use a fork to seal edges if the pastry unfolds.
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For extra crispness, chill the shaped pastries for 10 minutes before baking.
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You can substitute cherry filling with blueberry, raspberry, or apple.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European